Portrayals of psychological well being on tv typically stroll a high-quality line. Some dramas assist viewers higher perceive emotional struggles and psychological problems, whereas others depend on exaggeration, worry or misinformation. However when a drama approaches psychological well being with care, analysis and sensitivity, it may open up conversations that matter and assist cut back stigma.
At a time when Gen Z and Millennials in Pakistan are more and more speaking about remedy, emotional wellbeing and neurodivergence, these six Pakistani dramas stand out for presenting psychological well being with honesty and nuance.
1. Ishq Zahe Naseeb (2019)
Zahid Ahmed delivers one in all his most memorable performances as Sameer, a person dwelling with Dissociative Id Dysfunction, generally known as cut up persona dysfunction. What units the portrayal aside is its restraint. Ahmed doesn’t flip the character right into a caricature, nor does he resort to exaggerated or stereotypical expressions of femininity when portraying Sameera. As an alternative, the drama focuses on the psychological trauma underlying the dysfunction, making the character’s wrestle really feel human slightly than theatrical.
2. Ye Dil Mera (2019)
Starring Ahad Raza Mir and Sajal Aly, Ye Dil Mera is among the many first psychological thrillers produced for Pakistani tv. The sequence features as a personality examine of two people grappling with put up traumatic stress dysfunction. Every episode builds suspense whereas step by step unpacking layers of trauma, reminiscence and grief. The unfolding thriller retains viewers engaged, whereas the emotional depth provides weight to the characters’ ache.
3. Aakhri Station (2018)
This seven half mini sequence, created by Sarmad Khoosat in collaboration with the Kashf Basis, tells the tales of a number of girls going through completely different social and psychological challenges. Moderately than centring on a single analysis, Aakhri Station appears at how systemic neglect, violence and silence affect psychological wellbeing. Its episodic format permits every story area to breathe, giving voice to experiences typically left unseen.
4. Sabaat (2020)
That includes Mawra Hocane, Ameer Gilani, Usman Mukhtar and Sara Khan, Sabaat weaves psychological well being right into a broader reflection on life, relationships and human nature. The inclusion of a psychiatrist character, performed by Usman Mukhtar, helps floor the narrative in skilled understanding. The drama touches on persona points and emotional struggles whereas exploring themes corresponding to love, grief, nervousness, persistence and forgiveness, permitting psychological well being to exist as a part of on a regular basis life slightly than an remoted downside.
5. Ranjha Ranjha Kardi (2018)
Starring Iqra Aziz and Imran Ashraf, this drama was extensively praised for its delicate portrayal of Bhola, a personality on the autism spectrum. By way of the story of Noori and Bhola, the sequence highlights how society typically misunderstands psychological and developmental situations. It additionally emphasises the significance of medical remedy and knowledgeable care over superstition, difficult dangerous cultural responses to psychological sickness.
6. Saraab (2020)
Saraab centres on Hoorain, performed by Sonya Hussyn, a younger girl recognized with schizophrenia. The drama portrays her expertise with delusions and hallucinations whereas additionally inspecting the toll the sickness takes on these round her. It doesn’t shrink back from criticising societal tendencies to hunt assist from friends, non secular healers or taweez as a substitute of certified psychological well being professionals, making it one of many extra direct commentaries on stigma and misinformation.
By selecting empathy over sensationalism, they assist normalise conversations that many viewers are already making an attempt to have in their very own lives.
